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News |
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Bonners Ferry City Council meeting agenda and packet, 6 p.m.
Tuesday, December 5, city hall |
 Up
to eight inches of Panhandle snow possible: The
National Weather Service, Spokane, has issued a winter weather
advisory for snow and wind in North Idaho and northeast
Washington, in effect from 4 a.m. Friday through 4 p.m. Saturday.
Up to eight inches of fresh snow is possible in the Idaho
Panhandle, with winds gusting to 40 miles-per-hour on Saturday.
Two to six inches of snow is expected in the remainder of the
advisory area. |
 Little
Champ scampered off in Paradise Valley: Charlene Lyle
was prepared to celebrate her puppy Champ's first birthday
Tuesday, but the cute little scamp scampered off Monday morning
from his home on Elderberry Road off Blue Sky Road in Paradise
Valley and still hasn't come home. Champ is a neutered male red
dachshund with just a small patch of white on his chest, and he is
sorely missed. |
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Boundary
County helps District 1 achieve open primaries goal:
Volunteers for the Open Primaries Initiative from Boundary County
gathered with their Bonner County counterparts in Sandpoint
Saturday to celebrate a big milestone. “Legislative District 1 is
one of the very first districts in Idaho with enough signatures to
help qualify our Citizens’ Initiative for the 2024 ballot,” Luke
Mayville told a full crowd at the Community Hall. |
 Now
four running in GOP presidential caucus: The Idaho
Republican Party is pleased to announce the fourth filing of a
declaration of candidacy for the 2024 Presidential Caucus. Today,
Vivek Ramaswamy officially submitted his declaration and filing
fee to the Idaho Republican Party headquarters. In doing so, he
conveyed his unwavering commitment to tackling the pressing
challenges confronting our nation and advocating for the cherished
values and principles upheld by Republicans. |
 Johnson
lauded for work as SRO: After serving as Boundary
County School District 101 School Resource Officer for a year and
a half, Bonners Ferry High School principal Lisa Iverson recently
presented Bonners Ferry police officer Brandon Johnson, now back
on patrol, with an "Amazing SRO" plaque and a Friend of Education
Award. |
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Homeowners receive
average 18-percent property tax reduction: Property
tax bills arrive in Idahoans’ mailboxes across the state this
week, and in most counties, taxpayers will see huge reductions in
year-over-year taxes due to the historic property tax relief bill
championed by Governor Brad Little and the Idaho Legislature this
year. The average reduction in property taxes for Idaho homeowners
is approximately 18-percent. |
 Supaman
brings life and hope to Bonners Ferry: Supaman’s
performance Monday, blending Native American traditions, music,
dance and history with hip hop and rap was loudly appreciated by a
big audience in Bonners Ferry. He shared the stage at the Becker
Auditorium with DJ Element, a Native hip hop celebrity in his own
right who is featured in the last episode of season two in the PBS
series “Native America.” |
 Students
can spend week in world’s largest simulated aircraft carrier:
High school students interested in experiencing life in the
world’s largest simulated aircraft carrier are invited to apply
through the end of the month to the National Flight Academy for
the event to be held June 9-14. The simulation will be in
Pensacola, Florida. Availability is limited to 9th, 10th and 11th
graders in the coming school year. |
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Air stagnation advisories
issued: National Weather Service offices in Spokane
and Missoula have issued air stagnation advisories for northeast
Washington and North Idaho and the Kootenai/Cabinet, Lower Clark
Fork, Missoula/Bitterroot Valleys, Bitterroot/Sapphire Mountains
and Potomac/Seeley Lake Regions of Montana. Stagnant conditions
will have potential to trap pollutants near the ground with
deteriorated air quality. |
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Boundary County First
Judicial District Court dispositions |
 Beggerly
fighting Stage 4 Liver Cancer, needs community help:
Don Beggerly, 53, a ten-year resident of Boundary County, was
first diagnosed with cancer four years ago on November 12, 2019.
Since then the cancer has spread, forcing a surgery to remove a
cancerous tumor from his colon and three to remove tumors from his
liver, which persistently return even more aggressively than
before. He is now fighting Stage 4 Liver Cancer, and the prognosis
is bleak. He and his wife, Wanda Rios, ask the community for both
your prayers and your support. |
 Tribe
to team with county on recycling: The Solid Waste
Infrastructure for Recycling grant program funded through the
Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, also referred to as the
Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, provides $275 million for Solid
Waste Infrastructure for Recycling grants to support Building a
Better America. On November 15, the Environmental Protection
Agency announced that the Kootenai Tribe of Idaho was among the
selectees for the Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling Grants
for Tribes and Intertribal Consortia. |
 Aurora
may be visible over North Idaho tonight, Sunday night:
A coronal mass ejection, a "great burp" of material and magnetic
fields from the sun, according to solar astrophysicist Dr. C. Alex
Young, hit earth at about 12:35 a.m. today, resulting in a minor
geomagnetic storm that could bring auroras visible tonight and
Sunday night along the northern U.S. border in North Dakota and
Montana and just possibly North Idaho. |
 Great
day for a Turkey Trot! It was a great day for Bonners
Ferry's 15th annual Turkey Trot. By the numbers: 388 runners, 10
pumpkin pies, 10 gallons of cocoa and ran out, four bags of mini
marshmallows and ran out, five gallons of coffee, seven cans of
Ready Whip. Countless smiles. It was a great day! A 9B News
pictorial. |
 Guess
who showed up for Thanksgiving? One Boundary County
family's Thanksgiving was considerably and unexpectedly brightened
this morning when the family dog, Ransom, star of the Bonners
Ferry High School theatrical stage, came trotting home, healthy
and happy, after having gone missing Sunday night. David Holman,
his family and Ransom say "thank you" to all who kept an eye
peeled or said a prayer for a happy reunion, and extend to the
community a happy, happy Thanksgiving. |
 It's
nurse practitioner month: This is Nurse Practitioner
month, and the vital role nurse practitioners play in good health
was recognized by Sandpoint City Council President Kate McAlister,
NPI Region 1 Representative Cynthia Dalsing, MSN, CNM, retired and
nurse practitioner Natasha Splaine-Talbott at Sandpoint City Hall.
A nurse practitioner (NP) is a nurse who has advanced clinical
education and training. NPs share many of the same duties as
doctors. They perform physical exams, diagnose and treat diseases
and other health conditions, and prescribe medication. |
 Potentially
confusing voting season explained: Following coverage
last week of party affiliation deadlines for the Idaho Primary
Election on May 21, Idaho Secretary of State Phil McGrane,
Republican Party of Idaho Chairwoman Dorothy Moon and Idaho
Democratic Party Chairwoman Lauren Necochea remind voters of the
distinction between the upcoming party caucuses in March
(Republican) and May (Democratic), and the state primary election
in May and the respective party affiliation deadlines. |
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Kootenai
Valley Resource Initiative Forestry Sub-Committee meeting, 1 p.m.
Thursday, November 30. |
 Flags
to half-staff in honor of Rose Carter: As a mark of
respect for the memory of Rosalynn Carter, by the authority vested
in me as President of the United States by the Constitution and
the laws of the United States of America, I hereby order that the
flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff at the
White House and upon all public buildings and grounds, at all
military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the
Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the
United States and its Territories and possessions from November 25
until sunset on the day of interment. |
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Friendly
star of BFHS stage is missing: The Holman family's
talented German Shepherd, who recently played a role in the
Bonners Ferry High School production of "The Sound of Music," ran
off from his home at the far end of Holmes Road Sunday night and
his family has been looking for and missing him since. He answers
to "Ransom" -- or any friendly face really. He looks intimidating
but he loves everyone he meets. |
 County
treasurer explains property tax relief measures:
Boundary County Treasurer Jennifer Economu is sharing information
with county property tax payers on legislative changes made last
year that will reduce the tax burden on landowners statewide. In
the 2023 Legislative Session, the Idaho Legislature passed several
bills to provide property tax relief based on the Fiscal Year 2023
State surplus. These bills include House Bill (HB) 292, HB 258,
and changes to the Property Tax Reduction Program |
 Get
ready for challenges of winter driving: As winter
approaches with its inevitable challenges, it's paramount that
drivers prepare themselves to navigate tricky road conditions and
minimize unnecessary risks during inclement weather. In a united
effort, nearly 50 law enforcement and public safety agencies
across Idaho are launching a Winter Driving safety campaign to
educate the public about winter driving and snowplow safety.
Additionally, statewide emphasis patrols will look for seat belt
and impaired driving violations. |
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Events & Entertainment |
 A
Celtic Christmas returns to the Panida: A Celtic
Christmas returns to the Panida Theatre for one night only on
Friday, December 8! This magical concert, by internationally
renowned Irish group Everdream, features much loved Celtic and
Christmas classics, including songs by Enya, magical movie songs,
toe tapping reels and jigs, some unique Irish Christmas songs and
their chart topping version of O Holy Night! |
 Sheriff
offering free winter driving class: The Boundary
County Sheriff’s Office will be offering a classroom session on
winter driving from 9 to 11 a.m. Friday, December 1, in the
Boundary County Annex, 6566 Main Street, Bonners Ferry. This
classroom informational training is designed to help drivers who
are new to driving on winter roads and give them some helpful
information to be better prepared for winter driving. |
 Supaman
to perform free concert at BFHS: In honor of
November’s Native American Heritage month, the Kootenai Tribe of
Idaho is proud to sponsor a free community concert performed by
the national touring artist known as "Supaman," Christian Takes
Gun Parrish, a Native American dancer and innovative hip hop
artist who has dedicated his life to empowering and spreading a
message of hope, pride and resilience through his original art
form. |
 A
merry flying chicken Christmas! It's probably not
fair to say it, but Santa Claus has let slip that he and his wife,
Mrs. Santa, will be in Bonners Ferry on Saturday, December 2, to
wish season's greetings to all, hear your Christmas wishes and
stand with Bonners Ferry Mayor Rick Alonzo as he formally and
officially throws the switch to light this fair city for the joys
of the holiday season. |
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Business |
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| We got a Sonic now,
ya'll! |
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| "A long time coming but how sweet it is!" Kootenai
Tribal Vice-Chairman Gary Aitken Jr. posted to Facebook
Monday evening. "Tonight was tribal night at the Sturgeon
Station Travel Center. Tomorrow will be for all of the
various employees of the tribe. While a real treat to get
to be the first to enjoy the facility, these nights give
our new team the valuable experience to be able to handle
anything and everything that comes their way. The team did
an amazing job and it was such an amazing experience to
witness so many smiles and laughs and just to feel the
energy ... This all started with a dream, and idea, and a
desire to build something for the future of our people,
something we could be proud of. Wednesday morning the
doors open to the public and I welcome you all and hope
you enjoy and hope you can feel the love and pride that
everyone in the place holds." In the photo, Ron Abraham
puts the finishing touches on some of the artwork that
graces the facility, on the east side of Highway 95 just
south of Three Mile. |
|
 Two
Tones Cafe in Bonners Ferry to close: With a heavy
heart and mixed emotions, owner Tony Fleck announced that as of
December 30, he will be closing Two Tones Cafe in Bonners Ferry.
In the meantime, he hopes you visit and take advantage of our
remaining time. There were several factors involved in this
difficult decision, he said, the main being this season's road
construction and the removal of their primary parking lot. |
 Accurate
Collision is now Accurate Northwest: Bonners Ferry’s
oldest autobody repair shop has been sold. Since 1980, Vern’s
Autobody and then Accurate Collision has been the go-to autobody
repair shop in Boundary County and for much of the Troy and Libby
areas of Montana. Last week, owner Kay Burdick turned the keys
over to two brothers who know a lot about running body shops as
well as supporting the community. |
 BCH
celebrating Physical Therapy Month: October is
Physical Therapy Month, and Boundary Community Hospital is proud
to reiterate its commitment to providing exceptional physical
therapy services to the community. With a team of four Physical
Therapists and one Physical Therapist Assistant, the hospital's
outpatient department serves individuals of all ages with a wide
range of needs. The focus of physical therapy extends to various
areas, including the treatment of knees, hips, shoulders, back,
neck, acute and chronic pain and post-surgery rehabilitation. |
 Pearl
Theater lands $20,000 grant: The board of the
Historic Pearl Theater is thrilled to announce that they are
recipients of a $20,000 grant from Innovia and the Equinox
Foundation for the purpose of expanding artistic impact in
Boundary County for the 2023-24 season. As an historic performing
arts venue, the Pearl supports the arts by engaging emerging
artists and bringing well-known performers to Bonners Ferry. |
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Social |
  Perez,
Copeland earn BCSD 101 accolades: November
25, 2023 In a district chock full of people deserving,
Valley View Elementary turns out to be home to both the
Boundary County School District 101 2023 Teacher of the
Year, Connie Perez, and Staff Member of the Year,
administrative assistant Pam Copeland, both nominated by
VVES Principal Michelle Halter in recognition of their
decades of contributions not only to the school, its
student and their parents, but to the community as a
whole. |
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 A
heartfelt thank you, 9B Quilters: Without notice or
warning, Edna Eby arrived at the home of Mike Weland today and
presented him this amazing and beautiful quilt, made by Boundary
County's 9B Quilters, thanking him for his service in the U.S.
Army's 82nd Airborne Division from 1979 to 1983. Weland extends
his heartfelt thanks to Edna and the 9B Quilters, who each year
make and present these heirlooms to the men and women of our
community who served in our nation's armed forces. |
 Swanson
honored with Diamond Award: Boundary Community
Hospital is proud to announce the recipient of the prestigious
Diamond Award, Alison Swanson, PT, DPT a dedicated Physical
Therapist at the hospital. This esteemed award recognizes and
celebrates Alison's unwavering commitment to providing
extraordinary patient care and compassion. Alison, who has been a
valued member of the BCH team for a year and a half, consistently
embodies the hospital's core values in her interactions with both
patients and co-workers. |
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Sports/Outdoors |
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Jeanne Osborn
breaks Elaine's streak: Jeanne Osborn took high
scratch game 167 and third high handicap game 242 as Tuesday's
Trouble women's league bowling wrapped up week 11 at Liberty Lanes
in Bonners Ferry. DaVonna Cada got second high scratch game 151,
second high handicap game 246 and high handicap series 665. Denise
Chrichton got third high scratch game 149, third high scratch
series 404 and third high handicap series 653. |
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Elaine does it
again in week 10: Elaine Wheeler once again bowled
high scratch game, 174, third high scratch series 396 and second
high handicap game 234 to lead in week 10 of Tuesday's Trouble
women's league bowling at Liberty Lanes. Bonnie Grove got second
high scratch game 147, high handicap game 260 and high handicap
series, 666, Alice VanGundy got third high scratch game 146 and
second high scratch series 400. |
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Elaine Wheeler does
it again: For the second week in a row, Elaine
Wheeler got high scratch game with 168 and high scratch series
410, improving both of last week's scores in week nine of
Tuesday's Trouble women's league bowling at Liberty Lanes. Donna
Nystrom got second high scratch game 166 and high handicap game
244. Carolyn McNeill took third high scratch game 146, third high
scratch series 404 and tied for third high handicap series 629. |
 Valley
View students show off free throw skills: Fourth and
fifth graders at Valley View Elementary have been practicing their
basketball free throw shots for the annual Elk’s Hoop Shoot
contest. Many coaches say that free throws win or lose games and
these students are putting in the work to win future basketball
games! On Friday, the class finalists competed in the school
competition in front of peers and family members. Several Bonners
Ferry High School basketball athletes helped with the event and it
was a huge success! |
 BF
Wrestling Club members meet as collegiates in Des Moines:
Look who ran into each other Saturday at the Grandview
Invitational in Des Moines, Iowa! It's former teammates and
standout Badger wrestlers Jackson Rickter, now wrestling for
Waldorf University, Forest City, Iowa, and Evan Barajas, now
wrestling for North Idaho College. These two young men traveled
thousands of miles together in the team Suburban to wrestling
tournaments during their years as Bonners Ferry Wrestling Club
members. |
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Letters & Opinion |
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More to the
Constitution than amendments one and two: In these
strange days when words such as "liberty," "freedom," "patriot"
and "conservative" don't mean what they once did, when "truth" is
no longer objective, when U.S. flags flying in the back of trucks
connote not fealty to a nation but fealty to a man, there is much
ado about maintaining "my" God-given rights as established in the
first and second amendments to the U.S. Constitution. There is
scant mention of the 14th and 15th amendments which define who
"we" are. By Mike Weland |
 Idaho
voters can be trusted to responsibly exercise their initiative
rights: It was a bit surprising to read an opinion
piece that Representative Lance Clow (R-Twin Falls) has circulated
to media outlets around the state, warning Idahoans against
signing the Open Primaries Initiative. He accused the supporters
of the initiative of having “ulterior motives” with the goal “to
give the Idaho Democratic Party an increased opportunity.” By
Jim Jones |
|
Golf course a
community gem being unfairly stained: Bonners Ferry
residents have many things to be thankful for on this day of
Thanksgiving, and one of them is a North Idaho gem, Mirror Lake
Golf Course. But whether inadvertently or by intent, the process
that's transpired in the selection process of hiring a course
manager to replace the stellar pro Ralph Lotspeich, who retired
recently after 21 years, has left a needless and unnecessary pall
over the community, a taint of nepotism poorly and suspiciously
addressed. By Mike Weland |
 Idaho
GOP Thanksgiving blessings, pledge to preserve faith, family,
freedom: 160 years ago, as our country was embroiled
in a tragic and bloody civil war, President Abraham Lincoln called
upon Americans to give thanks to God for the blessings of liberty
they yet enjoyed. He invited his fellow citizens to “ ... observe
the last Thursday of November next as a Day of Thanksgiving and
Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the heavens.”
By Dorothy Moon |
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Senate
Pro Tem Chuck Winder has had his fill of incivility in the ranks:
Senator Chuck Winder, the leader of Idaho’s Senate, is a good and
patient man. I often disagree with him on issues coming before the
Senate, but I don’t question his ethics, temperament and
dedication to serving the public. He has watched a decline in
civility in the ranks of the Senate and recently took action to
bring some of the instigators up short. He deserves the support of
fellow Senators and of the wider public. By Jim Jones |
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Obituaries |
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Larry Kenneth Schave died November 27, 2023, at
his home in Bonners Ferry. Larry was born on September 28, 1957,
the son of Lloyd and Amelia Gerstenecker Schave, in Mitchell,
South Dakota. No services are planned. |
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We have confirmed that Drexel Love, Moyie
Springs, passed away November 18. No services, obituary or notice
are planned. |
 Jessica
"Jessie" Mary Stewart, 46, was born in Glendale,
California, to Peter and Carol Stewart, and raised in Portland,
Oregon. Jessie passed away unexpectedly in her home in Bonners
Ferry on November 3, 2023. |
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Arminda
Thompson, 97, died peacefully on October 25, 2023 at
Boundary County Nursing Home in Bonners Ferry. Mass of Christian
Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, November 8, at St. Ann’s
Catholic Church, 6712 El Paso Street, Bonners Ferry. She will be
buried with her husband at Grandview Cemetery. A luncheon will
follow burial at St. Ann’s Catholic Church for family and
friends. |
 Glen
Patterson, 88, passed away on October 26, 2023, at
his home in Bonners Ferry. The memorial service will be at 1 p.m.
Tuesday, October 31, at the Bonners Ferry Funeral Home, 6485
Harrison Street. There will be a private burial of the ashes at
Grandview Cemetery at a later date. |
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